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Post by Michele on Dec 11, 2005 20:59:06 GMT -5
I hosted my first Cookie Exchange today. I had 16 people attend and we all had a great time.
Food: Hot Crab dip, hot spinich dip, granny's apple bread, sweet bread, almnd pound cake, quich, stuffed mushrooms, spiral ordorves, wine, soda, and apple-orange cider.
Games: Movie Triva Quiz, Uncommon Christmas Triva and Who am I. (Eveyone had a name tag and then under their name was a holiday name) and Dirty Santa.
Lots of cookies, lots of fun and more imporatant lots of laughter.
Thank you to lots f people on this site for giving me the idea, and great suggestions for the swap.
Already starting notes for next years, as I was requested by several people to do it again.
Gifts given to each person as the left: A Christmas Musical CD and a bookmark with the Christmas Poem on it.
I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season.
If I can be of any assitance to anyone, please feel free to email me at chelehere@atlanticbb.net.
Michele
Altoona, PA
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Post by Ginger C on Dec 13, 2005 12:03:49 GMT -5
Four friend and I just hosted our first anuual cookie exchange this past saturday Dec 10, 2005 - (we've been baking cookies together for years but this is the first time we hosted an exchange and invited others - it was a great success - thanks to all the ideas we got off this website - we went totally crazy and sent out 60 invitations !!! - (I know, we are crazy!) - including us we had 30 ladies show up and we had an awesome time - talk about variety!!! - we got anywhere from 2-5 cookies of each kind but we had over 45 different kinds of cookies!!!!! - (some people made 2 kinds ) - it was great - we had each person bring one copy of the recipe and we are making a booklet to send out to everyone who came - I loved the variety and I will make more of the kinds I truly enjoyed - it was great - already looking forward to next year - thanks for all the info - Ginger - Hammond, LA
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Post by Cindy in FL on Dec 13, 2005 23:29:44 GMT -5
I hosted a cookie exchange party tonight. I invited 30 and 18 people came.
The food was: Honey Baked Ham, Potato Salad, Spinach Dip, Crackers, Rolls, Veggie Tray with Ranch Dip, and Fudge.
Everyone brought 6 dozen cookies - it smelled like a bakery in my dining room!! Everyone took home piles of cookies and there was a huge amount leftover.
The only game we played was Chinese Gift Exchange - everyone brought a wrapped gift that cost $10 or less. We had so much fun playing the game!!
It was such a good party and everyone seemed to have a great time! This site was very helpful.
Cindy
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Post by Deanne Columbia SC on Dec 15, 2005 19:31:01 GMT -5
All,
Well, I hosted my 2nd cookie exchange, and I don't believe I will be doing this again. I invited 19 women with homemade, personal addressed invitations, and only 3 rsvp'd. Luckily they showed for a total of 4!! Last year I invited my whole neighborhood (total of 96 homes) and only 5 RSVP'd and showed. I wasn't going to do one this year, but we had alot of new folks move into the neighborhood, and they all wanted to come. BUT, only 2 of the 6 new ones showed. No RSVP's from the ones even to say NO!
I would love to attend a successful cookie exchange, and I know I need to meet more folks in my area who would be interested. Maybe some folks in the Columbia, SC area on this board would love to get together and plan one!!!
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Post by Bonnie on Dec 15, 2005 19:40:22 GMT -5
Deanne - don't give up. I know the experience was not a good one especially after all the work you put into planning and the invitations. I would actually just concentrate on the ladies that did RSVP and attend. They were probably thrilled that someone hosted the cookie exchange. Next year invite these ladies and ask them to bring a friend. You will be surprised how it will grow over the years. You did a good thing - period! You reached out to the new ladies in your neighborhood and wanted them to feel welcome.  |
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Post by Terrapin on Dec 15, 2005 22:06:33 GMT -5
I have hosted a cookie swap for two years so far for my friends at church and we have always had a great time. I usually put it in our church bulletin inviting all ladies but they must RSVP by the Friday after Thanksgiving. This year, we had the swap in early December. Last year, there were 23 people here and so many good cookies. This year, we had 18 people here. This is what we do: when i get all the RSVP's back, i email everyone and let them know how many people are coming; they make 1/2 dozens for that many people, not counting themselves of course. Then, they bag them up in very inexpensive Christmas bags or Ziploc bags, or whatever they want to and attach the recipe to the cookie bag. I have place cards for everyone who is coming and what type of cookies, bar, or candy they are bringing; we have everything from cookies to lady fingers to pecan brittle to haystacks. Then, one at a time, we take our baskets and go to every person's name card, except our own, and take a bag of cookies. We try to play some games and i serve chips, cheese and crackers and some extra cookies that i made. Then we sit around and socialize as adults and have a really good time. It has become an annual tradition for our church ladies and we always have so much fun.....
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Post by NicksMommy on Dec 16, 2005 8:34:39 GMT -5
Well, I had my 2nd Cookie Exchange on Dec.11th. There were 12 people in attendance(even though it started sleeting just before the party) and one lady who couldn't come sent her cookies.We played the Left/Right game and I had a raffle I found on this site(1 point for Christmas attire, 2 points etc..)I gave out Santa ornaments to everyone for the game and I had a basket full of gifts that everyone could pick for the raffle and also Most Creative Cookie(ended up giving 3 for that because it was so hard to choose).The best gift I gave was waffle weave hand towels my sister in law found for me and then she embroidered "Cindy's 2nd cookie swap" on them and some had pictures of gingerbread men and some had pictures of mixing bowls and spoons.That part of the party went great. Everyone sat and visited and had the buffet I put together.3 ladies had never been to a swap before. Everyone was supposed to bring 7 dozen. I also stated on the invite and my website no kids, but one brought her preteen daughter anyway-which I didn't mind-but some others had a problem with. The party went great right up until the swap. I wanted everyone to only bring 7 dozen of one kind, but some brought 2 kinds and one even brought 4 kinds. I put the extra platters to the side so we could empty out the first platter they brought before we opened the 2nd ones. I messed up big time-I didn't realize the one lady who couldn't be here still sent cookies so when I figured out how many everyone should get, I didn't add her in to the equation.Her daughter in law told me after we started the swap. As it turned out, it didn't matter anyway. We were short quite a few cookies. I know some people must not have brought the full 7 dozen and some took way more than they were supposed to. I told them 7 off each tray(numerous times)but some people were taking 7 of each kind(and they kept going to the platters I had set aside and kept taking from them.)I didn't mind that I ended up being short(I fugured as the hostess that was ok) but 4 other people didn't get what they were supposed to. I felt bad that part of it was because of my screwup so I gave them more gifts that I had left but there was nothing I could do about people taking too many. So at the end of the party, some people were upset and some got way more than they should have. Needless to say it cleared out pretty fast after that. What I don't understand is, it's a pretty simple concept--you only take home as many cookies as you brought. You bring 72 you take home 72-you bring 84 you take home 84. Ug! Anyway, we had quite a few different kinds of cookies(and most were very yummy-especially the Eggnog Cider cookies)and some of the ladies got very creative this time. Overall i'm glad I did it again, most of the party was a blast--but after all the work I put into it(food prep,decorating the house,baking,the money spent,etc.)I don't think I will do it again next year after the fiasco at the end of the party. My 6 yr. old son wants me to have a kid cookie swap next year and I am thinking I might do that instead.At least kids should be easier to work with-lol. I have some good pictures of the cookies that I will be sending to Robin as soon as I can to put up on the site.Sorry the post is so long-I just needed to vent-lol. Cindy
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Post by Cathie in PA on Dec 16, 2005 18:29:00 GMT -5
NicksMommy:
Don't be discouraged about your swap. No matter what you do you ALWAYS get someone who does not play by the rules. Maybe next time you could do individual dozens or 1/2 dozens. Yes, it is a tremedous amount of work. I took a vacation day the day before just to get odds and ends done. I had my swap last Saturday, and it truly was worth all the work put into it.
Cathie in PA
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Post by Nancy in Maryland on Dec 21, 2005 9:45:01 GMT -5
I used Robin's rules and invitations and we had some delicious cookies. My only rule breaker turned out to be a neighbor that only brought 10 gingerbread cookies and then pulled out a tube of icing and suggested that people take a cookie and write their initial on the undecorated cookie. She then got in line and took six dozen cookies home. I did not tell her anything at the party, I did not want to put her on the spot. Should I drop her from next years party or should I explain the rules to her?
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Post by Nancy in Maryland on Dec 21, 2005 9:53:00 GMT -5
I just had my first cookie swap and despite my rule breaker neighbor, I do plan on doing it again. It was a little hectic, and I forgot to take a picture of the table with all the cookies. It was alot of fun. I had champagne punch and that went very quick.
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Post by Bonnie on Dec 22, 2005 8:11:29 GMT -5
Nancy - she may not have read the invitation correctly as so many first timers don't. If she is someone you really like then next year explain it to her or highlight parts of the invitation for her and if she still doesn't bring her share of the cookies ask her not to participate in the swap. That seems fair. One year I had a lady bring store bought (well from Publix bakery) cookies and one of my friends went ballistic! It didn't bother and I'm not even sure why my friend got angry considering the fact that her HUBBY made the cookies for her. Oh well - can't please everyone. Sounds like your party was a success |
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Post by Tulip on Dec 31, 2005 17:51:23 GMT -5
I invited 25; 12 said yes, 9 attended (the other 3 had illnesses).
What I loved was setting the rules about types of cookies and NO duplicates. That made people HAVE to call me to RSVP AND tell me what type of cookie they wanted to bring.
Once I knew what cookie they were bringing, I made simple tent cards stating their cookie name that went in front of their plate. Lots of appreciation on that.
I also loved getting my neighbors together and catching up. I invited some new people that I didn't even know and they were very grateful to be invited and had a fun time.
What I'd do different: have LESS appetizers or hold the exchange at an earlier time! I had it from 7-9 pm on a weeknight and thought I'd have people eating everything up. I had so much left over (which is probably a good thing than to run out, right?)
Can't wait to to it again in 2006!
T
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Post by kate on Jan 2, 2006 21:00:10 GMT -5
I hosted my 1st cookie exchange this year. It was lots of fun : ) Your site was a huge help : )
My only complaint was that most of the ladies did not go "all out" with their cookies. My daughter and I really did, and everyone raved about our cookies, so if nothing else, maybe we will teach these ladies to be creative in the kitchen : )
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Post by Robin on Jan 4, 2006 20:08:27 GMT -5
That's why it's important to have ground rules.... for instance "all cookies must be baked and contain flour as main ingredient." Otherwise you get people bring short cut (cheap) items like meringue puffs (egg whites) and/or no bake cookies which is simply balls of peanut butter and whatever else they found in their cabinets.
The playing field is leveled by the rules I decided to use.
This was after I lost a few of my best bakers by too many people bringing non quality items.
Then in the next invitation announce prizes, some suggestions are:
BEST PRESENTATION
BEST LOOKING COOKIE
BEST TASTING COOKIE
BEST HOLIDAY ATTIRE
Give people a reason to go all out!
Right now, after Christmas is the best time to pick up your parting gifts and prizes for next year while everything is 50% off! I got lucky at Target and found enough for the next two exchanges.
Good Luck next year!
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Post by LUV2BAKE on Sept 14, 2006 12:45:00 GMT -5
My neighbor and I hosted our first Cookie exchange the 2nd Sunday in December 2005. If I recall right, there were approx 7 in attendance (including us). Everyone had a GREAT time and are looking forward to this year's exchange. We had a prize for the best display of cookies and for the most festively dressed. I would love to host an exchange at our church for the ladies, but I don't know how that would work out.
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Post by Marie on Oct 15, 2006 19:44:49 GMT -5
I would like to share my Cookie Exchange story. About 20 years ago, a bunch of my high school girlfriends decided to get together every December for a Christmas dinner. Kids and husbands were welcome. We did this for several years. Unfortunately, each year, it was getting more and more difficult for all of us to get together for dinner because everybody was so busy.
About 15 years ago, we decided it would be much easier to get together for a Saturday brunch. We also thought it would be a great idea to have a cookie exchange as part of our brunch.
We each bring a brunch dish and 6 dozen cookies to share. The husbands are always welcome to come and enjoy the delicious food.... but they eat in the garage with their cigars and dart games.
Our children are grown now, so we have second generation girlfriends joining our Christmas Cookie Exchange Brunch. Last year, we had 15 ladies!
It is always on the first Saturday morning in December. People start arriving at 10 a.m. We eat at 11. And it is over by 1 or 2.
All planning is done via email. As chairman, I make sure that all bases are covered with brunch dishes. All ladies must bring 6 doz homemade cookies to exchange and a few extra for dessert. We don't require recipes. We don't play games... just talk and enjoy each other.
Its a great way to begin the holiday season with old friends, delicious food, yummy cookies, and excellent conversation.
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shan
New Member
Posts: 3
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Post by shan on Oct 24, 2006 20:47:07 GMT -5
I am loving reading all the posts here, wow such good ideas and with my first one just around the corner have one question I haven't seen answered. Our exchange is going to be small, 9 of us, and we are incorporating it with supper and a pre Christmas tea, just a time for us to be together. We are going to keep aside cookies to try at tea time, but wondered about the idea of having everyone prebag say 6 cookies and then we could sit in the living room and before we pass out our cookies, share why we picked this one.
Would love to hear if anyone has ever done this and how it was received. Thankfully I know all the ladies coming and am only concerned about one gal whom wanted to bring Rice Krispie squares. Had to point out they weren't cookies. AND if all goes well this year and decide to try it again next year will definitely have a much better explanation of what I expect.
Thanks all for your great ideas!
Shan
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Post by Christmas Carol on Nov 1, 2006 10:03:31 GMT -5
Robin, I was so lucky some five years ago to come across your site.
As this is my fifth cookie exchange I have made some changes that seem to work for me.
I no longer include all the cookie restrictions as the ladies understand the cookie theme and really, never many duplicates. I think we all try to be unique.
I do give awards for the best decorated - could be a first and second place award. Also the person wearing the best Christmas theme apparel gets an award too. I ask each lady to introduce themselves and usually have a theme too (bascially so they cannot tell Carol stories) Last year it was how so very important "girlfriends" are in our life. Well, there was a lot of tears and laughter - this year more laughter. I am asking for a Christmas joke and clothing apparel - the best christmas socks!
This past weekend everyone has been asking when the party is so they can mark it on their calendar.
One thing I do is ask the ladies to bring an extra dozen cookies to be given to a local organization. Every year I deliver a large platter of cookies to a woman's shelter and every year I seem to be adding organizations. Last year the woman's shelter, a very poor Rest Home near me (they get sooo excited) and in honour of a very good friend who passed away last year - I deliver a couple platters to Hospice. I really do not need to eat many cookies and sharing with these people makes my Christmas. Some years I have one of the local children help me deliver and explain why and where we are delivering the cookies. A good learning experience.
Each person does go home with a little gift - sometimes homemade, often watch for clearance at the end of the season. This year will be cute little christmas ornaments. Last year I used the cute idea I found on the site giving a little gift bag, with hot chocolate mix, candy cane, marshmellows. The ladies all loved it.
I have learned that I make way too much food and I am going to try to remember that this year!
So Robin I am back this year and looking forward to another great party. My party is informal and casual as is our neighbourhood and friends.
Thank you and everyone remember to relax and have a good time.
Christmas Carol
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Post by cindy North on Nov 25, 2006 11:49:57 GMT -5
Every year my class from church meets for our annual exchange. The highlight of the night is winning the coveted gingerbread man ornament. We vote on the best cookied (secretely) and I usually act as the master of ceremonies dancing behind each one, taunting them about who will win. They proudly get to be the winnfer for 1 year. It sounds silly, but they love it. Our food is stuff you own baked potato or your own taco salad with guests bringing a topping. We then march around the table and get our cookies to take home. We really don't make an issue of how many anyone brings or takes. It would just spoils the fun.
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Post by jeannie0613 on Nov 27, 2006 12:01:25 GMT -5
Hi
I am new to this message board. I hope this posts correctly. I just wanted to share my holiday fun!
I sure have got some great ideas from this site.
This is what I do: We started last year with a stocking exchange along with the cookie exchange.
Everyone that wanted to be included spent around $25.00 and filled the stocking with wrapped gifts, we numbered the stockings as they came in. Then we drew numbers and that number would be your stocking. It was so nice! Some of the people went all out with these giant stockings. One even had a pair of pajamas and a blanket in it. Bottle of wine, hair products etc...It was alot of fun. We are doing it again this year... everyone got the idea of it now and I am sure there will be some really good stockings this year.
The cookie swap goes well too. I do it on a Monday night(that way everyone has time to bake). I set out drinks and appetizers and of course, everyone brings a nice Christmas plate with there cookies to sample. I invite 15-20 people, we make a 1/2 dozen for each attending. The cookies arrive all wrapped/boxed and then put out on a huge table(my pool table with a nice Christmas cloth) and each person goes around the table to collect there 1/2 dozen of each kind. We have had some really great cookies and the packaging is very creative as well. Nice platters, boxes, tins, etc.. Then we also do a best cookie, they get a prize and whoever dressed the most festive won a prize also. This year I am adding best displayed stocking. They will receive a gift along with best displayed cookies and most deliciuos cookies. I haven't figured out the gifts yet but I will think of something nice. I just wanted to share my story. I believe this is my 7th year doing this and every year we have a few new faces. I may have to come up with a different way to distribute the cookies since the baking amounts seem to keep rising. Happy Holidays to you all!
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